Save West Fillmore Street's Ash Trees

Hi Neighbors:

Our stretch of West Fillmore Street is lined with beautiful, mature Ash Trees. These trees define our streetscape, support birds and butterflies, clean our air, reduce noise, lower energy bills, and boost our home values.

But they’re under serious threat from the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle that’s already destroyed tens of thousands of trees across the city. The City of Chicago treated many ash trees until 2017, when the program ended due to budget cuts (we checked with the Alderman). That means it’s been over 8 years since our trees were last protected, and they’re now overdue.

We have 54 ash trees between the 1300 and 1400 blocks, making up most of our canopy. Without treatment, these trees will likely die within a few years. Losing them would be devastating to our neighborhood. The good news: we can still save them!

We’ve hired a certified arborist who confirmed that most trees are still healthy and treatable, but they are in desperate need of protection. We secured a bulk rate of $150 per tree. Our goal is to raise $8,250, enough to treat all 54 ash trees. The treatment has a success rate of well over 90%, meaning it kills the beetles and allows the trees to live out their full natural lifespan (150–200 years). To remain effective, the treatment will need to be repeated every three years.

We need your help: We suggest a donation of $100 per household, but any amount is appreciated and will go directly toward treating the ash trees. We all benefit from the tree canopy. Let’s work together to preserve one of the most beautiful (and valuable) resources of our neighborhood.

Thank you!

Sarah and Khairi (your neighbors at 1358 W Fillmore St #B).

If you have questions or would like to help with organizing, please stop by!